If planning to remodel a Maryland house before selling it or after moving in, you should know that permits are required. We should warn you right away that the repercussions of remodeling without the building department issuing building permits aren’t just a fairytale. For instance, they have the power to fine you, or even worse, make you undo renovations. That’s right! However, we know you’re conscious enough not to remodel without obtaining the necessary permits first. In the end, you wouldn’t be here, listening to what we have to say if it was the other way around. Now, let’s get down to business!
First things first
Before organizing a full home renovation and getting started, be sure you get that permit. Whether it’s a DYI home remodeling project or a contractor is the one rolling up the sleeves, the case is the same. On no account should you start with the project before getting a permit.
When do I need permits to remodel a Maryland house?
When tackling a project requires permits? Not every home remodeling project requires a permit. If opting for simple home improvements for every budget, such as painting the walls, changing a bit of this and a bit of that, doesn’t require a permit. On the other hand, if your project will affect the home’s structure, get in touch with the local building apartment. It’s necessary that you explain thoroughly what your project implies, what parts of the house you want to change, and how. Furthermore, you need to apply for a building permit when making changes around a house, such as placing a fence over four feet high or erecting a gazebo.
contact your local building department.
If you’re not sure whether you need a permit to remodel a Maryland house, contact your local inspector and check with him. Better safe than sorry, right? A broad term as it is, Maryland has differences on the inside. Permit requirements vary from one place to another, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if a neighboring town or city had different rules than yours.
Which remodeling projects usually require a permit
Here’s the list of remodeling projects that require a permit in most cases; however, contacting the local building department is the best way to find out:
- running new electric cable or electric to an outbuilding
- adding electrical subpanel or new circuits
- installing a new furnace, air conditioner, or water heater
- moving plumbing pipes
- installing new windows or doors
- changing the roof, extending the roofline, or installing a skyline
- installing a fireplace
- adding new room/s or garage
- changing a garage into a room
- adding or tearing down the wall/s
- making bathroom in basement
- building a new deck
- installing a pool
Should you need creative ideas on home improvements along with tips and tricks, pricehomeimprovements.com has proved to be one of the best sites for getting inspiration and learning the ropes.
How to get a permit to remodel a Maryland house?
The application process for remodeling your house in Maryland functions in the following way:
- Contacting and discussing the project with the building department
- Filling in the application meaning:
- Determining the type of permits you need (carpentry, electrical plumbing, etc.) and
- Drawing up plans required by the building department
- Submitting the application along with applicable fees
of the paperwork and get a permit first.
Movers can help during the home renovation process after receiving a permit. Surrounding yourself with a team of professionals before starting with renovations of a Maryland home will save you a lot of time, money, and hassle.
Interestingly enough, you can clear out the way first with the right assistance as well. Junk removal service is a way to go if your house is ‘overcrowded’ with stuff, esp. heavy items.
Paying the fees
The bigger the project, the bigger the fees. That’s the rule. Installing a fence, for instance, can cost you $50. When it comes to room addition to your Maryland house, they’ll charge you several hundred dollars.
Getting approval, fingers crossed
In general, it takes them a few days to review your plans whit bigger projects. With smaller, you’ll get a permit in the twinkling of an eye. However, not all projects are approved. The bottom line is you won’t be kept in suspense for too long. You can also make changes to your project and get to remodel your property in Maryland after all.
house or not depends on the decision of the local
building department. Examining your document
shouldn’t last more than a week.
What comes after you get to remodel a Maryland house?
After your project is approved, the house is decluttered, and Excalibur Moving and Storage provided you with storage space for your belongings, you can start building. However, this can’t go without an inspector coming to check whether there are no deviations. Inspections happen often, can be a drag, but you’ll get used to it. Meeting codes for footing depth, railing spacing, and the rest is what got your approval. Our advice – stick to the plan. Even the smallest changes made can backfire, resulting in shutting down the project. It’s advisable that you post a paper obtained from the building apartment somewhere where it’s visible.
What happens if I fail to meet regulations and codes?
If you don’t pass, don’t worry because you still get to remodel a Maryland house. Everyone gets a second chance or a redo if you like. Yes, it means additional expenses, but in the end, you’ll raise the value of the house (that’s what investment is all about) or bring your living space to perfection. In either case, it’s worth it.
We hope that our guide on the permits you need to remodel a Maryland house has helped you understand your obligations better so your renovation can go smoothly. Good luck!